by George Schroeder and Dan Wolken, USA TODAY Sports

Speculation on Pelini's future has been a constant accompaniment this season, and it intensified after the Huskers' 38-17 home loss Friday to Iowa in the regular-season finale. In the postgame news conference, Pelini lashed out, saying:

"If they want to fire me, go ahead."

But Eichorst's statement seemed to indicate they might not want to. The athletic director had declined comment on Pelini, saying it was his policy not to discuss the state of the program during the season.

"My approach has always been to not comment publicly about our coaches until their full seasons are complete, as I strongly believe it is unfair and counter to best practices," Eichorst said. "However, given the volume of unfounded speculation and conjecture about our head football coach, I want to reaffirm what I have said many times since I have arrived at the University of Nebraska - that I positively respect, appreciate and support our football student-athletes, coaches and staff, as we do everyone in the Husker family. We very much look forward to our upcoming bowl game and Coach Pelini continuing to lead our program in the future."

Nebraska finished the regular season 8-4, the sixth consecutive season in which Pelini has lost four games. His career record is 57-24. He also came under criticism earlier this season after audio surfaced of a profanity-laced postgame tirade from two years ago.

Pelini didn't do himself any favors after Friday's loss, saying the speculation about his job security had been a distraction for the team.

"I believe in what I've done," he told reporters. "I don't apologize to you. I don't apologize to anybody, myself or this staff. My record, our record since I've been here, speaks for itself. And this program is heading in a good direction."

On Saturday, Pelini thanked his boss for the support and apologized for his rant.

"I want to thank our administration and Shawn Eichorst in particular, for his continued and full support that he has given me and our football program since his arrival on campus," Pelini said in a statement. "I am honored to represent this university and its great fans and I'm proud to lead this program into the future.

"I apologize for reacting emotionally (Friday) and for showing frustration both with the game officials and the media. I fully understand and respect their difficult jobs, and I regret any and all actions or words which may have shed a negative light on our program and university. Accountability is a core belief throughout our program, and as the head coach, I must set and maintain a high standard.

"Our football staff is hitting recruiting full throttle and looking forward to the upcoming bowl game. We are committed to working with Shawn and our entire department staff to continue to build this program and bring championships back to Nebraska."